Thousands of lights, dozens of trees, wreaths and greenery galore and music and merriment fill the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor throughout the month of December. With each passing week additional decorations are added — and most events are free. Give yourself a gift this season and come to the Opera House at least once.

Community Band joins Boothbay Region High School Band & Chorus

In celebration of the season, on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., the Boothbay Region High School Band and the Community Band, both under the direction of Meredith Duke will perform a free holiday concert at the Opera House. The BRHS band’s holiday concert has quickly become a tradition at the Opera House, but this marks the first year that the Community Band will be joining in the music making at the Opera House.

This will be Duke’s final holiday concert at the Opera House since she is moving to Nashville, Tenn., to pursue a musical career at the end of the school year. The evening will also include a performance by the high school chorus under the direction of Mary Miller.

The Garden Club’s Festival of Trees

The Boothbay Region Garden Club’s Festival of Trees opens on Friday, Dec. 6 and continues through the Harbor Lights weekend, December 7 and 8. This event is free, with holiday goods available for sale and trees auctioned off to raise money for the Garden Club.

The Dough Ball

The sweetest moment of the season just might be The Dough Ball preview party, which serves as the kick-off to the 7th annual Gingerbread Spectacular. On Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., the Opera House doors swing open to reveal a house transformed by the magical display of gingerbread houses against the backdrop of twinkling trees and greenery hung by designer Kevin Kiley.

The Dough Ball serves as the Opera House’s only fundraising event of the season, and is an evening with wonderful hors d’oeuvres, specialty drinks, music provided by Bigelow Lab’s jazz master Barney Balch and friends, a quirky silent auction and a chance for guests to be there when the 2013 Gingerbread Spectacular prizes are announced.

Advance tickets are $20 and available through the box office at 86 Townsend Avenue, or by calling 207-633-5159. Tickets purchased on the day of the party are $30. The Dough Ball is exactly that, a ball, and perhaps the best holiday party of the season. Come dressed up or dressed down, but don’t miss this glittering event in Boothbay Harbor this season.

7th annual Gingerbread Spectacular

Crowds of wonder seekers typically fill the Opera House during each of the two days of the annual Gingerbread Spectacular, beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14. The Spectacular includes an exhibit of dozens of gingerbread creations, well beyond just a small gingerbread house.

Visitors can expect to see castles and cabins, landmarks, fantasy creations and more, including the Opera House’s Great Tree. In addition to the extraordinary exhibit of gingerbread architectural wonders, the Gingerbread Spectacular features a sale of holiday baked goods created by the Friends of the Opera House, musical presentations by young and old community members — and free cocoa! This event is open December 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on creating a gingerbread house to be entered in the Spectacular, contact the Opera House at 207-633-6855.

Community Potluck and Carol Sing

The community comes together one last time before the holidays on Wednesday, Dec. 18 for a potluck and carol singing. Amidst the stunning decorations that define the Opera House during the holiday season, friends and neighbors are invited to bring a dish to share (and a plate and utensils for themselves), while sharing stories and warming up for the community carol sing. The doors for the potluck open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. After the meal, there will be music by Kevin Kiley, John Adams, Matthew Ryder, Abbey Hutchins and friends. Beer and wine available for sale.

2014 season opens with Hot Tuna

With the halls undecked, the 2014 season kicks off with a night of music provided by the legendary band Hot Tuna on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the band, visit www.hottuna.com.

Advance tickets are $30. Tickets purchased on the day of the concert are $35. Tickets and information available through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Avenue, or by calling 207-633-5159 or by visiting www.boothbayoperahouse.com.